Kimi: Vettel would bring nice atmosphere to Ferrari

Kimi Raikkonen has admitted it would be “nice” if he is paired at Ferrari with Sebastian Vettel next year.

The Finn said in Russia that he has heard the same rumours as the rest of the F1 paddock — that outgoing world champion Vettel’s Red Bull exit means he is replacing Fernando Alonso at Maranello in 2015.

Although he has underperformed this season, Raikkonen has a contract to stay at Ferrari next year.

“I don’t know if he (Vettel) is coming to the team,” the 34-year-old told Russia’s Championat.

“There are a lot of rumours, people expect it to happen, but I don’t know yet,” said Raikkonen.

“He is my closest friend among the drivers, a very honest and straightforward guy.

“I’ve never worked with him, but he’s four-time world champion, he is certainly good in every area. We’ll see how everything goes,” the 2007 world champion added.

“It would be nice if he would come,” said Raikkonen. “I think it will bring a good atmosphere to the team.

“I hope that together, if he does come, we can achieve good results. But I don’t know anything.